SHAHEEN ANNOUNCES $400,000 FOR WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

(Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen today announced that her request to support the development of a plan for the preservation and management of New Hampshire's water resources has been approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee.  Shaheen secured $400,000 for the effort, which is being carried out by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.  These funds were included in the Fiscal Year 2011 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations bill, which is now ready for consideration by the full Senate. 

"New Hampshire's water resources, from our rivers and lakes to our estuaries, wetlands and seacoast, add more than natural beauty to our state," said Shaheen.  "They are critical to the health and economic vitality of our communities, and we have a responsibility to ensure that all these resources are used in a way that preserves them for future generations."   

"The integration of water science and policy is of paramount importance to the long-term stewardship of New Hampshire's waters," said Tom Burack, Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.  "The assistance provided by Senator Shaheen will help the Department of Environmental Services identify ways to ensure that our water resources are here to support New Hampshire's high quality of life for generations to come."

The comprehensive management plan will expand upon a 2008 report that brought together a broad group of partners and experts to recommend actions on a range of topics from coastal and estuarine waters to wetlands conservation to river restoration, including the impacts of climate change and growth-related land and water use.  The final product will identify specific action items, policies, resources, and schedules necessary to secure the future of New Hampshire's water resources.

Once completed, the plan will serve as a national model for water resource management planning that supports long-term commercial, environmental and public health goals, and ultimately protect the estuarine and ocean resources of the region.